Al Assoomi Warns Iran Over Bahrain Attacks

Bahrain will meet any threat to its sovereignty with force, Shura Council member Adel Al Assoomi has said, as he accused Iran of using calls for calm as cover for repeated attacks on the kingdom.

Al Assoomi said Bahrain’s sovereignty was a ‘red line’ and praised the country’s armed forces for stopping the attacks, which he said had failed to frighten the public.

‘The attacks were meant to cause confusion and fear, but they turned against those behind them,’ he said. ‘Instead of panic, we saw an unmatched show of public unity.’

 Al Assoomi accused Tehran of using regional security as a tool of pressure, shifting attention from its troubles at home and seeking political gains by keeping neighbouring states on edge.

He also said Iran had shown scant regard for state sovereignty and international law, while trying to hold back growth and peace across the Gulf.

Bahrain’s reply, he said, drew strength from the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support and oversight of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He praised the Bahrain Defence Force, with particular credit given to the Royal Bahraini Air Force and air defence units for their handling of the attacks.

‘Our armed forces are at the highest level of readiness and watchfulness,’ he said. ‘Their skilled response was no accident.’

Al Assoomi said the attacks had also shown the strength of Bahrain’s home front, with the public shunning rumours and standing behind the leadership and armed forces.

‘Bahrain today defends its security with the weapons of right, awareness and readiness,’ he said.

He added that unity at home was the strongest answer to any bid to shake the kingdom’s peace.